Trained for combat with P-38's and served as part of the air defense organization. Moved to England, Nov-Dec 1942. Assigned to Eighth AF. Lost its P-38's and most of its pilots in Feb 1943 when they were assigned to Twelfth AF for service in North Africa

Began operations from England with P-47's in Apr 1943, converted to P-51's in Dec 1944, and continued combat until Apr 1945. Flew many missions to escort bombers that attacked industries, submarine yards and docks, V-weapon sites, and other targets on the Continent. Also engaged in counter-air activities and on numerous occasions strafed and dive-bombed airfields, trains, vehicles, barges, tugs, canal locks, barracks, and troops. In addition to other operations, participated in the intensive campaign against the German Air Force and aircraft industry during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944; helped to prepare the way for the invasion of France; supported landings in Normandy in Jun 1944; contributed to the breakthrough at St Lo in Jul 1944; participated in the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945; and supported the airborne assault across the Rhine in Mar 1945.

Received a DUC for activities connected with the airborne attack on Holland in Sep 1944 when the group covered troop carrier and bombardment operations and carried out strafing and dive-bombing missions. Received second DUC for destroying numerous aircraft on five airfields near Prague and Pilsen on 16 Apr 1945. Returned to the US in Oct. Inactivated on 18 Oct 1945.

6179 (78th FG, 82nd FS) swung on takeoff from Duxford Aug 17, 1943 and demolished windsock and crashed about 1 1/2 mi SE of the field and struck ground so hard that engine and airframe came to rest 40 yards apart. Pilot suffered only minor injuries.

6249 (78th FG, 82nd FS, *Vee Gaile*) lost after ditching in North Sea off Egmond aan Zee, Netherlands after being hit by AAA Feb 10, 1944. Pilot MIA. There is a photo of this plane with Bob Hope sitting in it and singer Frances Langford on the wing.

63864 (c/n 122-31590) During the war, this machine had been with the 78th FG/83rd FS, based at Duxford To Swedish AF as FV-nr 26158. To Israel AF as 2338 or 3506. To civil registry as 4X-AIM, then became SE-BKG. Sold to Fighter Collection of Duxford, UK. . Currently G-CBNM but still wears SE-BKG. Ken Ellis has this plane becoming N251L after Israeli AF service, then N42805, then SE-BKG, then G-CBNM.